Colorado Sales Increase 42% Over Last Year

The state of Colorado is now releasing sales data on marijuana transactions. Previously, the state only posted tax revenues, leaving researchers and journalists with guesswork as to how that translated into sales. So far, total sales through October have increased 42% year-over-year and tax revenues through November have increased 16%.

On Wednesday, the state released medical and retail sales data going back to January 2014, even though sales began prior to this date. Going forward, monthly reports will be published on the seventh business day of each month. The data is self-reported by the businesses and aren’t audited or use the Metrc tracking system.

“We know this information is highly desired by the general public, media, and researchers,” said Mike Hartman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR). “To that end, in our efforts to be as transparent as possible, we will now provide aggregate sales data. That, coupled with state tax revenue data already provided, will give an accurate picture of the financial footprint of this burgeoning industry.”

Marijuana Sales Reports

Updated December 2017

Calendar year is defined as January 1 – December 31

The Department of Revenue also stated that the Office of Research and Analysis would produce monthly reports that would show the total sales for retail and medical marijuana by county. Plus, the ORA will calculate a cumulative total of actual sales figures from year-to-date and total sales per year. The sales reports will be posted on the same day as the tax reports.

Colorado changed its marijuana sales tax on July 1, 2017. Retail sales taxes rose from 10% to 15%. Retail products were exempt from sales tax on personal property. So far in 2017, the state has collected $226 million in total marijuana tax, license and fee revenues.

Marijuana Taxes, License, and Fee Revenue

Updated December 2017

Calendar year is defined as January 1 – December 31